Head of a Young Woman Asleep 1787 - 1795

Jean-Baptiste Lucien created "Head of a Young Woman Asleep" using etching and engraving. During Lucien's time, the representation of women in art was often steeped in the male gaze. This piece seems to gently push back against that, offering instead a moment of quiet intimacy. The young woman's closed eyes and relaxed posture invite us to consider her inner world, rather than presenting her as a mere object of beauty. There's a vulnerability here, a sense of peace that transcends the societal pressures placed upon women. Is she dreaming? Is her sleep restful? The piece captures a state of reverie, hinting at stories untold and experiences unshared. It serves as a poignant reflection on the complexities of female identity and the importance of recognizing the individual beyond societal expectations.